2026 MN Fishing Opener Preview

Summer is Here and so are the Summer Patterns.

This week, Tony breaks down rapidly changing walleye bites on Leech and Mille Lacs. He explains the best secondary spring locations and his approach to targeting fish during the transitional period. In addition, Tony talks about tips and tricks for fishing panfish with jerkbaits. Things are changing fast, and summer is here! Tune in to get the inside track to a successful trip on the water. Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster) & 13 Fishing (rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing [https://www.rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing]), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Lodge (arnesens.com/ [https://arnesens.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6526431332&gbraid=0AAAAADAjWPD14yDYE3jJ6tj7Ls11aChSB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-OkdRrDamz2NnWXn30N7Yb9V0FS8eD_nPtsqNjAelmk-u9EJIH63ubkaAlZrEALw_wcB]) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Champions Tour Mille Lacs Walleye Event

This week, the Champions Tour hosted a one-day Walleye event on Mille Lacs Lake, where anglers competed for $10,000 in first-place prize money. We sit down with tournament director Dane Vocelka to discuss how this “every fish counts” format is changing the game in walleye tournaments. In addition, we interview a few of the top anglers on successful tactics, strategy, and how they were able to overcome a wickedly windy day on the pond. Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster) & 13 Fishing (rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing [https://www.rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing]), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Lodge (arnesens.com/ [https://arnesens.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6526431332&gbraid=0AAAAADAjWPD14yDYE3jJ6tj7Ls11aChSB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-OkdRrDamz2NnWXn30N7Yb9V0FS8eD_nPtsqNjAelmk-u9EJIH63ubkaAlZrEALw_wcB]) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Opener Recaps from the Guides

It’s been a fantastic week to be on the water. Tony sits down with fellow guides Mitch Hackenmueller and Remington Moren to discuss walleye tactics on both Leech Lake and Mille Lacs. The group dives into locations and “go-to” jigging presentations for springtime walleyes. We also discuss how rising surface temperatures are quickly changing the walleye bite.  Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster) & 13 Fishing (rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing [https://www.rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing]), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Lodge (arnesens.com/ [https://arnesens.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6526431332&gbraid=0AAAAADAjWPD14yDYE3jJ6tj7Ls11aChSB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-OkdRrDamz2NnWXn30N7Yb9V0FS8eD_nPtsqNjAelmk-u9EJIH63ubkaAlZrEALw_wcB]) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

2026 MN Fishing Opener Preview

This week, Tony has been out scouting for the walleye opener. He breaks down how this year is different than last and the best presentations for boating walleyes. We also get insights from guides across MN, giving you the advantage this year. Have a safe and happy opening weekend! Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster) & 13 Fishing (rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing [https://www.rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing]), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Lodge (arnesens.com/ [https://arnesens.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6526431332&gbraid=0AAAAADAjWPD14yDYE3jJ6tj7Ls11aChSB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-OkdRrDamz2NnWXn30N7Yb9V0FS8eD_nPtsqNjAelmk-u9EJIH63ubkaAlZrEALw_wcB]) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Navigating a Captain’s License

This week, Tony talks about finally getting his Captain’s License! His guest is Rena Navarro, instructor and creator of Lake Superior Captain’s Academy. Rena opens up about her journey from an elementary school teacher to a boat captain and how these two passions collide to create this course. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in becoming a captain, you’re going to want to tune in to this week's podcast! Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster) & 13 Fishing (rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing [https://www.rapala.com/us_en/13-fishing]), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Lodge (arnesens.com/ [https://arnesens.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6526431332&gbraid=0AAAAADAjWPD14yDYE3jJ6tj7Ls11aChSB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyr3OBhD0ARIsALlo-OkdRrDamz2NnWXn30N7Yb9V0FS8eD_nPtsqNjAelmk-u9EJIH63ubkaAlZrEALw_wcB]) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].